Pik Piękny Brancusi, undated

Pik was one of Gaudier-Brzeska’s many nicknames, given by his partner Sophie. It was derived from the shortening of ‘pickaninny’, a racial slur used to refer to Gaudier’s skin often being covered in dirt.

The drawing shows Gaudier’s interest in non-Western art, in particular African tribal masks. It also represents a statement of his admiration for the Constantin Brancusi, who was widely regarded as a leading figure of modern sculpture at the time.

The first two words of the inscription, ‘Pik piękny’, mean ‘beautiful Pik’ in Polish.